Genomic variation and immune escape of viral pathogens

The interactions between viral pathogens and host are always complex and dynamic. Over the years, hosts have built up immune systems to defense against viruses. However, viruses are also evolving to escape from the immune system and adapt to the hosts through mutations in the genome. As viral pathogens evolve, various mutations may emerge in the genome. Although most of these mutations are expected to be either deleterious or relatively neutral, a small proportion could affect functional properties and alter infectivity, disease severity or interactions with host immune system. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has shown us the successive emergence of variants, which could escape from the immune response and lead to the failure of vaccinations. The battle and compromise between viruses and hosts provide prospective insights that are critical for therapeutic development and vaccination strategies.
This Research Topic focuses on the discovery of key mutations or methodology to identify these mutations, which are critical for the immune escape of viruses, including but not limited to coronaviruses, influenza viruses, HIVs and adenoviruses. Also, we would like to advance knowledge about the mechanisms by which viruses evade host immunity, the adaptive evolution of viruses during transmission, and the co-evolution between viruses and hosts. Hopefully, these may provide information on the general vaccine design for key viral pathogens.
In this Research Topic, we welcome submission of all article types within the journal (original research, methods, reviews, mini reviews, and perspective articles) describing any research involving genomic variations of viruses and immune responses of hosts. Submission can cover any of the following:
1. Discovery of key mutations related to immune escape
2. Methodologies for identifying key mutations
3. Functional studies of mutations
4. Virus variants and immune responses
5. Adaptive evolution of viruses